Cully

Josh Mullen of Empire Orthopedic Labs is our guest on a fun show. A year ago, I lost my foot from a diabetic infection. I was stupid and depressed, not taking care of myself before going into septic shock. Nothing could be done because the sepsis had spread, and the only chance to save my life was by amputation.

Josh grew up in Rome and was born an amputee. He remembers receiving his first prosthetic rubber hand at 4 years old. However, nothing slowed him down, if anything it made him work harder. Josh loved to golf and played all over at many courses. In school, his academics were excellent as he already knew what would come next.

Only 45 minutes away, Josh attended Hartwick College. He remembers the long walks, laboring up the hills to get to class. He stayed together with his high school sweetheart who attended Ithaca College. It wasn't perfect, a few bumps in the road along the way, none of it mattered as they stayed together. Josh spent plenty of time visiting her in college.

What I found most interesting is Josh knew he wanted to work in orthopedics and prosthetics. It had been a huge interest for him not only because he was an amputee, but he knew he wanted to help people. After an internship at Empire Orthopedics Labs, his mentor, who was also the owner, advised him to learn Orthopedics first and he dove right in. After completing it, Josh went into Prosthetics which became his passion. He spent time working at the VA with army veterans and grew to find happiness in making a tremendous difference in their lives.

After graduating college, working in the VA, a golden opportunity presented itself when Josh knew his mentor at Empire was retiring. He put in an offer to buy the company. At 32 years old, Josh became the owner of Empire, and he did admit to being nervous running a business at a very young age.

However, it turned into a family business, he hired his mother, then his wife came on, there have been a few techs along the way and that is the extent. Anyone who comes in will see Josh, he is hands on and sticks with you throughout the entire process. Other companies use 3D imaging on limbs to start. Josh keeps it old school, he does it by taking a cast of your limb which makes the prosthetic fit better and last longer. His only frustration is dealing with the insurance companies, otherwise Josh loves his clients and how rewarding it is to truly give them their life back.

For my first prosthetic, I needed approval from 3 doctors, insurance notes written perfectly. It took 6 weeks before I received it. After being referred to Josh, he completed a new one for me in under a month. Then I took it home to test out and we made sure my new leg was a perfect fit.

Lighter, easier to put on and off, Josh got me back on my feet. With a wife and 3 kids, one in college, another on the way this year, Josh is a devoted father and family man. I am grateful for everything he has done for me along with the kindness, compassion, and empathy shown. Anyone out there who needs help, head over to Empire Orthopedic Labs and you will be very happy.

Our newest edition of Husky Talk on the podcast with guests Courtney Williams and Dennis Callaghan who were both fierce competitors on the offensive line.

Starting with Courtney, originally a walk on and came to UConn after graduation for summer school which was a requirement for admission. He ended up joining the team and learning the game as a scout team player.

Dennis was from Michigan and UConn was not even on his radar. He expected to attend a MAC school before he was won over by the Huskies and made his way to Storrs.

Both have unique journeys that are incredible. Courtney was undersized while Offensive Line coach Hudson took a liking to his work ethic, foot speed, and he became known as the Jedi for his development.

Dennis traveled as a freshman because only 3 offensive linemen were part of that class and one ended up quitting. This was 1994 and Skip Holtz in his first year at UConn wanted to change the culture.

The group really became a family and bonded because they did redshirt together. Future classes included Corey Derfuss, Mike Sasson, Jamie Harper, Mark Campoli, Steve Darby and Mike Burton.

Dennis and Courtney credit the success of the 1998 season to an attitude that was built over the summer before the season. Strength coach Mike Golden put the group to work, instilled toughness, along with a mentality that nobody could stop them.

A huge reason I went to UConn and committed early was because I saw how dominant they were up front. Dennis being a captain said he was not a rah rah type of leader, he led by example because he was going to knock you on your ass one way or another.

Talent like QB Shane Stafford, Recolon Jumpp with Barry Chandler, along with a young Taber Small in the backfield. John Fitzsimmons, Tory Taylor, Steven O'Conner some of the wide receivers in the country.

Courtney and Dennis said it best, they were versatile and could beat you however you wanted. Load up the box to stop RC Jumpp and Barry Chandler, please have at it. The Pup, Shane Stafford was going to light it up throwing to Fitz, Tory, Okie, Wendall McDuffie...it didn't matter, Shane was going to shred you if that box was loaded.

Ok, you want to spread out and cover the pass, be my guest. You had fullbacks that played with reckless abandon in Chad Martin RIP... or Fezzie coming downhill on iso or power to make you feel every pound of his 260. Dennis, Courtney, Harper, Burton, Sasson, Campoli, Derfuss, Darby, knocking people around and creating holes. Two-star RBs who ran HARD in RC and Barry Chandler with a touch a Taber Small to having a powerful running attack. Also being smart in the passing game picking up blitzes. A mentality created by new offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo or coach Guge as he was referred to.

Not to take away anything from the defense. Ron Gamble,, Chad Cook, Ronnel Jumpp, Chad Smith, Jeff Delucia, they all were a big piece to the puzzle of the 1998 UConn Football team.

Courtney and Dennis tell it perfect; they beat the eventual National Champions UMass....TWICE and I attended both games, which made me decide to commit to UConn early. Courtney and Dennis were a little nervous coming in, but they loosened up and told some amazing stories. Thank you for coming on the podcast.

Husky Talk is going to air weekly, any alums who would like to come on, we would love to hear your story and journey through UConn football, as well as life, please DM or email me at [email protected] if you would like to be a guest.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CGl57YdaRHhQj0oUiE1Px?si=f8Wh0P7xSQKsmNB6h-Y_Yw

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/husky-talk-the-jedi-with-the-captain/id1652970662?i=1000654348514

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9b1acd0c-20cf-4fda-a1b0-18e18ac54cca/episodes/b3da49b5-4b90-4f36-babf-2f4e43ec8232/cully-husky-talk--the-jedi-with-the-captain

Jon Guynes, former UConn, Lehigh, Holy Cross, Fordham, Mississippi State coach is a guest on the show. Moneyline coming to you on WUTY 97.9 FM UNITY Radio, Executive Producer Ernie Floyd and the hottest sports program in the 508.

Pride Productions bringing you the best content like Unity in the Community, Black In Business, and recently released WOOCast.

Jon and I talk about the chaos going on at Columbia University, USC cancelling graduation and more. Jon believes kids are looking for a cause to fight for, Israel, Palestine, Hamas, is causing kids to become emotional, showing their passion in standing up for a cause.

I think back to when I was in college, sitting at Huskies having a cocktail, I don't know if I saw something happening on CNN, that I would stand on the bar and rally the troops to go protest.

We discuss the NFL draft and all the quarterbacks drafted in the first 13 picks. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye are drafted in the first 3 picks. NFL teams know they need an elite QB to win a Superbowl. Plus based on NFL contracts, they have 4 years and if they don't pan out, they can be released or not have their 5th year option to be picked up. Who is in the best position to succeed? Caleb Williams has a lot of talent around him in Chicago. Jayden Dainels in Washington has a lot around him, with a new coach and ownership group to support him.

Michael Penix Jr. is going to be sitting behind the 180-million-dollar investment of Kirk Cousins. Watching and learning has shown to be successful in certain situations, where they have time to learn without being thrown in the fire.

Bo Nix is older, but can he be the answer in Denver? JJ McCarthy is going to Minnesota, he has a lot a talent around him and is coming off a National Championship at Michigan, can he take the Vikings in the playoffs?

Jon and I debate on Moneyline. We banter and talk about how much paella I would eat when we were at Holy Cross. A fun and entertaining show with the WOOSOX next!

Fresh as a daisy, MONEYLINE, on WUTY 97.9 Unity Radio with Executive Producer the legendary Ernie Floyd. Unity Radio is the station for all the best local programming, with the most original content in Worcester. Moneyline is by far the Top sports show in the 508 and currently the highest rated due to my sunny disposition.

We start off with a treat being the great Mr. Tom Wells returning to the show after being on the road. I know many of our top fans will be disappointed, the Coach Frankie C, Frank Cristiano is on vacation.

A heated debate ensues about the ESPN article on Bill Belichick being "voted off the island" by NFL owners in the coaching world. Mr. Wells believes Atlanta did have sincere interest and were spooked from pulling the trigger. Whether his age, longevity, willingness to work with a general manager and front office, Arthur Blank appeared to change his mind because Belichick felt the job was his after that second interview. I personally believe Robert Kraft fired the torpedo sinking Belichick's chances with the Falcons. Mr. Wells said that would be a shame after a 24-year relationship and oh, by the way, Bob Kraft isn't exactly a choir boy himself.

In my opinion, 8 Superbowl wins, 15 games away from breaking the NFL All-Time Wins record held by Don Shula, any team should be breaking the bank to hire Belichick. Mr. Wells thinks next year around Thanksgiving time, his name will resurface for numerous job openings. However, Belichick may enjoy being a television personality as displayed recently several times, maybe he decides not to return to the sidelines.

We go back to arguing about UConn after winning the National Championship in basketball. Not having huge NIL money, nobody does more with less. Back-to-back NCAA titles are even harder to do in today's world of the one and done's, along with the transfer portal. Coach Hurley deserves a huge part of the credit and in a Big East Conference that only had 3 teams selected into the tournament. The question becomes if UConn football can consistently turn the corner, with the strength of the basketball program, will UConn move into a Power 5 conference. The Big East television deal is a drop in the bucket, meanwhile Rutgers can go 6-6 in the Big 10 and receive 30 Million from their TV contract. Mr. Wells feels Syracuse, Boston College and Miami will not want UConn in the ACC. The state of Connecticut is running at a deficit, the model of basketball bringing in the key dollars will not work long term.

Hilarious show, formidable insight, and don't miss MONEYLINE, on WUTY 97.9 FM Unity Radio!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XSRpImZc7XczooZRTePEM?si=7IeUtRysRdm6RWTSGf8Qug

Three heavy hitters join the podcast this week for a crazy episode. Tommy Collins is back and starts off the show by reminding everyone I am in the Guinness Book Of World Records for having the .... Former UConn All Conference Linebacker/Defensive End Jamar Wilkens makes his first appearance. Former UConn basketball player and also having the pleasure of being my former college roommate, Michael Woodward also joins in.

Of course, we start by talking about UConn basketball winning the National Championship. Tommy believes that there is too much money in college football UConn is missing out on not to be in a conference.

Jamar believes Connecticut fans like being in the Big East, they want to play Seton Hall, St. Johns, Villanova, Georgetown and when we play teams like Houston, we don't draw.

Woody believes Coach Hurley is a mastermind and has a family who offers support. After a few rough years, for UConn to win back-to-back National Championships, sticking it to the Power 5 conferences is the way to go. Nobody has done more with less than UConn.

Tommy and Woody were instrumental in creating an NIL program for UConn. We are still in the early stages, and it is growing into something special.

Jamar talks about being a freshman and his first introduction to UConn football. Skip Holtz was the coach, Jamar was only 17 years old and was playing against grown men, some who were 23 to 25 years old. He said near the end of training camp, he finally figured it out and started dropping dudes all over. He played on every special teams and developed a reputation for having a reckless abandon. Jamar was an incredible linebacker his sophomore year, with a quick trigger and playing downhill. He was moved to defensive end for the good of the team and credits his successful transition due to his experience at linebacker. Knowing, understanding offensive schemes, figuring out what play was coming before the ball was snapped. As a DE, having 88 tackles was unheard of and he was also a top pass rusher. Jamar was a huge part of the 1998 UConn team that went 10-3, won the Atlantic 10 league title, won a playoff game against Hampton before losing to Georgia Southern. A spectacular career where he was an All Conference player.

Woody shares the story of his success after college. I remember visiting and practically living with him, while he was always working. He told me he wanted to retire at 40 and started off in the pharmaceutical sales while making his money work for him. Buying townhouses, other properties, renovating and renting them. He married UConn women's star Ashley Valley and they now have two teenage girls. Mike has always been ambitious, setting goals and likes to prove people wrong. He became an executive for the Wyndham hotel group and now is also Senior vice president for Focus Brands Franchise sales, along with business development.

A show full of funny stories and laughs, guys who get together a few times a year, allegedly I'll be invited to the next gathering. Jamar talks about his brother and his success playing pro basketball. They tried to get UConn to sign him, but they went in another direction. Now he is thriving in the NBA.

We discuss Tommy and Woody building strong, successful careers. Both always give back and Tommy went out of his way to help me with the podcast. Jamar took a little bit longer, but he too has found amazing success in his career. Football is still in his blood as he coaches his two kids.

Love these guys, non-stop laughter, entertainment, three great story tellers between Tommy, Jamar, and Woody. I have not talked with Jamar in 24 years, and I greatly appreciated his kind words. Knowing of my recent struggles, offering genuine support saying I look happy and healthy. I've learned it's never too late to reach out to an old friend or teammate. I was sincerely moved to hear how Tommy, Woody and Jamar care about me. Truly a show that is a one of a kind special!

A guy I have not spoken to in 25 years, we were never close, and I had no idea what was coming my way. Jamal Lundy was a 4-year starter in football at UConn. A dominant player, he was quiet and led by example.

Overcoming adversity at a very young age, he lost his dad at 8 years old and his mother soon after. Jamal witnessed his grandfather die in front of him at 17 years old and spiritual guidance helped him.

Recruited by many schools, he wanted a full scholarship and a chance to play in the NFL. Randy Edsall and Mike Toop recruited Jamal and he became a top player. As a freshman, he started a few games in and never looked back. One of the few who started a game in all 4 years of his career.

Making All ECAC, Jamal signed with an agent and had aspirations of playing in the NFL. He trained all winter and waited on a call during draft day that never came. Depressed, frustrated, Jamal worked hard and chased the dream, he fell short as most of us do.

Not know what to do with the rest of his life, Jamal found a career in the military. He excelled, stood out because of his work ethic. His only regret was getting married, at 31, he wanted kids and felt time was running out.

After 6 years of marriage, Jamal finally got divorced. He met the love of his life and after 2 years of dating, walked the isle again. He has 2 kids with his first wife, his current wife has 4 kids from her first marriage, Jamal and his wife now have 2 kids of their own. He also helped raise his brothers kid after he died.

It was really special to see a smile on Jamal's face. He was cooking Ox tail for dinner. Jamal built a tremendous career in the military and is a wonderful family man, dedicated father. Never choose a permanent solution for a temporary problem. Words of Wisdom.

The baseball expert Peter Logue fills in with co-host Thomas Andrew "The Skull" Hartmann to talk about the Worcester Red Sox. Pete and I were great friends growing up. My grandparents lived by his, we would ride bikes terrorizing the town. While Andrew and I were in preschool together, raising hell during the day, Pete and I took charge after.

Pete was a utility guy and could play anywhere. He ended up at Le Moyne College where he became close friends with New Hartford Native Andy Weimer. Pete knows how challenging it is to play in early spring weather. He said the WooSox had a tough stretch of games because of the cold, along with the wind plays a huge factor in hitting, as well as pitching,

Skull talks about top prospect Romy Gonzalez being moved up to Boston after only a few games. Overall, Worcester has not been able to get the bats going and have been averaging 4 runs per game over their last 7.

Pete feels it will be difficult for every AAA team because there is constant movement with players. Andrew mentions whether its A to AA or AAA to the major league club, it all affects chemistry in the clubhouse.

The Red Sox losing 140-million-dollar man Trevor Story was a huge blow and Pete says this will be a totally different Red Sox team than we have seen, being a lifelong fan, he is hopeful players will fill that void. For the Worcester Rex Sox, Andrew explains that it is very early in the season. Pete mentions how they have played in difficult weather and being on the road most of the last 2 weeks. Worcester has a passionate fan base who will not quit on the Sox and cheer them on to turn things around. Plenty of time still! Pete also has an outstanding podcast that recently started called Upstate Nation Baseball. He interviews to players from upstate New York, as well as coaches and manages. Make sure to give it a listen!

Mr. Wells returned after a nice vacation and rejuvenated to talk UConn basketball with the coach Frank Cristiano. After easily disposing of Purdue, UConn could move on to bigger and better things. Both believe there is too much money involved for UConn not to join a Power 5 conference.

No disrespect to the Big East, but without football television revenue, billions of dollars are at stake. Mr. Wells also points out that female sports have never been hotter. Avid fan Chris Stasaitis calls in describe his long week working with both teams and being thrilled one brought home a National Championship Trophy. Can UConn join the Big 12 or ACC, if football can improve, we will witness a change.

Frank talks Worcester Red Sox baseball struggling right now, 1-5 in their last 6 games. Top prospect Romy Gonzalez was called up to Boston and the team has good pitching overall . They have not been hot with the bats but it’s early in the season, if Worcester can take control of the series at Syracuse, they will move up a few places in the division.

Finally, we talk about Riley Gaines and her lawsuit against the NCAA to protect women’s sports. The NAIA ruled transgender athletes will not be allowed to compete in athletics, setting precedent for Riley Gaines to have a shot in court. Frank believes not enough women are supporting her and Mr. Wells said the NCAA will be disbanded in the next 5 years because they are a poor governing body.

Frank also wants to know because of inflation how people can rent an apartment and live a comfortable life on a 40K salary. If anyone has answers, please comment.

Moneyline is the best local sports show in the 508 with the return of Frank Cristiano. We talk WooSox baseball off to a 2-2 start after winning 2 out of 3 on the road before losing the home opener. Frank thinks they have an outstanding group of pitchers and will get rolling when they find the right lineup. They have used several different groups and continuity will make the difference. Catch Moneyline on 97.9FM Unity Radio, the top sports show in Worcester.